WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris offered a robust endorsement of President Joe Biden's accomplishments on Monday, marking her first public remarks since he endorsed her candidacy for the presidency. Addressing an audience on the South Lawn of the White House, Harris extolled Biden’s significant achievements and leadership, emphasizing his profound influence on the nation within a remarkably brief period.

In her address, Harris celebrated Biden’s “legacy of accomplishment over the past three years,” asserting that it is “unmatched in modern history.” She noted that Biden’s achievements in a single term have surpassed those of many presidents who have served two terms. Harris made these comments during an event honoring NCAA athletes who triumphed in the 2023-24 season.

Harris highlighted several attributes she has observed in Biden, including his “honesty,” “integrity,” “commitment to faith and family,” as well as his “big heart and deep love of our country.” She reflected on her personal experience witnessing Biden’s unwavering dedication to serving the American people and expressed profound gratitude for his service. “I am a firsthand witness that every day our President Joe Biden fights for the American people, and we are deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation,” Harris declared.

The Vice President also provided an update on Biden’s health, noting that despite his absence from the event—an occasion he has hosted in past years—he is “feeling much better” and “recovering fast” from his recent Covid diagnosis. Biden has been isolating at his residence in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and Harris mentioned that he is eager to resume public engagements. “He looks forward to getting back on the road,” she stated.

The spotlight has shifted to Harris following Biden’s endorsement of her presidential campaign on Sunday, shortly after he announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. In a statement made on Sunday, Harris expressed her honor at receiving Biden’s endorsement and articulated her “intention is to earn and win this nomination.”

In the wake of Biden’s endorsement, numerous prominent Democrats, including governors and lawmakers, have voiced their support for Harris’s candidacy. However, some influential congressional leaders, such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have yet to publicly declare their support for her campaign.

Harris’s remarks on Monday were focused on Biden’s achievements and did not address her presidential bid directly, as the event was an official White House function. It is expected that she will discuss her campaign strategy, future plans, and her approach to challenging former President Donald Trump in forthcoming statements. Additionally, Harris has indicated plans to travel to Wilmington, Delaware, to meet with her campaign staff and further discuss her presidential aspirations.

As Harris prepares to step into the spotlight as a leading contender for the presidency, her forthcoming campaign activities and strategic positioning will be closely monitored. She aims to build upon Biden’s administration legacy and carve out her own path to the White House.